CPU
GPU
GeForce 6800 GT
Popular choices:
GeForce 8600 GT
Popular choices:
Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The GeForce 6800 GT is positioned at rank 728 and the GeForce 8600 GT is on rank 704, so the GeForce 8600 GT offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 6800 GT
Performance Per Dollar GeForce 8600 GT
Performance Comparison
About G3D Mark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
The GeForce 6800 GT is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 1.4% higher G3D Mark score. However, the GeForce 8600 GT offers more VRAM, which may be beneficial for texture-heavy scenarios at higher resolutions.
| Insight | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ✅Leading raw performance (+1.4%) | ❌Lower raw frame rates (-1.4%) |
| Longevity | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) | 🛑Obsolete Architecture (2008 / G9x (2007−2010)) |
| Ecosystem | Supports FSR Upscaling | Supports FSR Upscaling |
| VRAM | ❌ Less VRAM capacity | ✅ More VRAM (+300%) |
| Efficiency | Normal Efficiency | Normal Efficiency |
| Case Fit | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly | 📏 Compact / SFF Friendly |
💎 Value Proposition
The GeForce 8600 GT offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce 8600 GT holds the technical lead. Priced at $15 (vs $40), it costs 63% less, resulting in a 162.9% higher cost efficiency score.
| Insight | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌Lower cost efficiency | ✅Better overall value (+162.9%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️Higher upfront cost ($40) | ✅More affordable ($15) |
Performance Check
Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.
Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of GeForce 6800 GT and GeForce 8600 GT
GeForce 6800 GT
The GeForce 6800 GT is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 15 2008. It features the G9x architecture. The core clock speed is 500 MHz. It has 224 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 142 points.
GeForce 8600 GT
The GeForce 8600 GT is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in July 15 2008. It features the G9x architecture. The core clock speed is 500 MHz. It has 224 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 65 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 140 points.
Graphics Performance
The GeForce 6800 GT scores 142 and the GeForce 8600 GT reaches 140 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 1.4% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce 6800 GT is built on G9x while the GeForce 8600 GT uses G9x, both on a 65 nm process. Shader units: 224 (GeForce 6800 GT) vs 224 (GeForce 8600 GT).
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| G3D Mark Score | 142+1% | 140 |
| Architecture | G9x | G9x |
| Process Node | 65 nm | 65 nm |
| Shading Units | 224 | 224 |
Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling Tech | FSR 1.0 (Software) | FSR 1.0 (Software) |
| Frame Generation | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Ray Reconstruction | No | No |
| Low Latency | Standard | Standard |
Video Memory (VRAM)
The GeForce 6800 GT comes with 256 MB of VRAM, while the GeForce 8600 GT has 1 GB. The GeForce 8600 GT offers 300% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Bus width: 64-bit vs 64-bit.
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 0.25 GB | 1 GB+300% |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Bus Width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
Display & API Support
DirectX support: 9.0c (GeForce 6800 GT) vs 10.0 (GeForce 8600 GT). Vulkan: None vs None. OpenGL: 2.1 vs 3.3. Maximum simultaneous displays: 2 vs 2.
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| DirectX | 9.0c | 10.0+11% |
| Vulkan | None | None |
| OpenGL | 2.1 | 3.3+57% |
| Max Displays | 2 | 2 |
Media & Encoding
Hardware encoder: No (GeForce 6800 GT) vs No (GeForce 8600 GT). Decoder: PureVideo vs PureVideo HD VP2. Supported codecs: MPEG-2 (GeForce 6800 GT) vs MPEG-2,H.264 (GeForce 8600 GT).
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| Encoder | No | No |
| Decoder | PureVideo | PureVideo HD VP2 |
| Codecs | MPEG-2 | MPEG-2,H.264 |
Power & Dimensions
The GeForce 6800 GT draws 150W versus the GeForce 8600 GT's 150W — a 0% difference. The GeForce 8600 GT is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 350W (GeForce 6800 GT) vs 350W (GeForce 8600 GT). Power connectors: Legacy vs Legacy. Card length: 216mm vs 173mm, occupying 1 vs 1 slots. Typical load temperature: 85°C vs 80°C.
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 150W | 150W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 350W |
| Power Connector | Legacy | Legacy |
| Length | 216mm | 173mm |
| Height | 111mm | 111mm |
| Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Temp (Load) | 85°C | 80°C-6% |
| Perf/Watt | 0.9 | 0.9 |
Value Analysis
The GeForce 6800 GT launched at $399 MSRP and currently averages $40, while the GeForce 8600 GT launched at $159 and now averages $15. The GeForce 8600 GT costs 62.5% less ($25 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 3.5 (GeForce 6800 GT) vs 9.3 (GeForce 8600 GT) — the GeForce 8600 GT offers 165.7% better value.
| Feature | GeForce 6800 GT | GeForce 8600 GT |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $399 | $159-60% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40 | $15-63% |
| Performance per Dollar | 3.5 | 9.3+166% |
| Codename | NB9E-GTX | NB9E-GTX |
| Release | July 15 2008 | July 15 2008 |
| Ranking | #825 | #825 |
Top Performing GPUs
The most powerful gpus ranked by G3D Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar GPU comparisons based on GeForce 6800 GT and GeForce 8600 GT
